( He doesn't know how to explain how much this particular spell means to him, what the actions of it mean, what standing up to someone stronger than him means— but he's not sure if it would help, anyway. He can't even disagree that it was stupid.
But the only regret he has is about letting it slip the sort of friends he has. With someone like Bakugo, his abilities are vague enough, sideways enough from it that he could escape notice for it, right? That's what he hopes. )
Just please pretend not to know me if he asks.
I'll be there, and I won't even complain this time. I owe you.
[At the moment, Bakugo's too pissed off to listen to excuses. There are people here who care about Esikko, some even more than him, and yet he insists on endangering himself for the sake of a stupid spell?! Didn't he learn last time? Is the brand on his goddamn neck plastered over with makeup or covered with a scarf to forget about in the mirror?!
Bakugo has very little patience, if any, for fools.
He isn't gonna chide someone over being stubborn, minus the obvious clash if their stubbornness is in something his stubbornness is opposing. But being stubbornly stupid is...
( Part of him still struggles to accept that anyone could care about him, and perhaps Hiyori's stinging words don't help— but at the same time, what else could this be, but Bakugo caring? He knows that, logically. But it still feels like the fragile sort of thing that could be ripped away at any moment. Like maybe that anger means it's going to be?
And some other strange part of himself seeks out this danger like self punishment. But something like that... he doesn't think that it would affect others?
But Bakugo seems pissed as hell. So it must.
He's anxious, wishing that Bakugo had responded to his request for pretending not to know him more directly. Any punishment coming from all of this is something he wants, for himself, not pointed at others, not pointed at people he's grown to care for. This was a miscalculation. But maybe it's fine, maybe he's overreacting, maybe it will all come back to him. Maybe he can keep it to himself, like the time after the hearts party...
Urgh, he's going to get his ass kicked training, and how much of it is even going to help with his slow ass body? But all he can do is try. And so he responds with a little thumbs up emoji, a like, and grabs his water to head over. He's ready to be put through the wringer!! )
[Because of Bakugo's extreme aggression and atrocious attitude, a positive relationship with him of any level is extremely hard won. And once it's managed, equally as hard to lose. But it can be lost. He's not a nice enough person to let himself get abused, used, manipulated, pushed around, or taken advantage of. This little stunt is veering towards that dangerous area. Not enough to make him give up, but definitely enough to piss him off!
He's not someone's stupid flagellation tool either.
There's also another layer to this that Bakugo has refused to bring up or address even to himself. A darker secret he doesn't like to admit. But it may very well rear its head tonight.
Why the hell should he respond to that pretense request when Esikko already fucked off Bakugo's request not to go back to the basement for a while? Hypocrite. That said, he hasn't ignored the request and he'll decide for himself how he wants to respond if it ever comes up.
Relax. Bakugo's angry and a bully, but he's not gonna waste Esikko or his own time.
He's at Talon in the time demanded.
Lying beside him is a strange set of clothes. It looks like a white gi, but the arms and legs are noticeably padded with puffy cushioning. Bakugo stands over it in a simple black t-shirt and black lounge ants... taping his hands and wrists.
( He said he wouldn't complain, and so he doesn't, but there is a long sort of pause as he looks between the strange clothes and Bakugo's ominous taping. He needs that? What are they going to do, exactly...?
Not that he can complain about this, either. He thinks he's preparing for the eventual anger of Chobe once the spell wears off, for future incidents of pissing people off that are stronger than him. But he has absolutely no idea how soon he's going to need any of this, that there's a threat right under his nose he missed. Another mistake.
He frowns to himself, but reaches to pick up the clothing, not wanting to meet Bakugo's eyes. At the very least, he's not harmed at all. A single bandage on his index finger remains from the finishing of his little personal spell, but it was small, it was simple, it was a little bit of revenge. That's all. He sets the water bottle he's brought down on the floor, unfolding the clothes to get a better look at them. )
Okay... ( If he must. But looking at this puffy parts, he has a feeling he's going to need it, anyway. ) I'll wear them. But you know, it was a quick trip, a quick spell, nothing so serious. If that's what has you so angry.
( Spoken as he hesitates only a moment before starting to change right here. He'd originally wanted to find a spot to change, but... Bakugo has seen him naked plenty. It feels silly to leave, knowing that. )
[At least Esikko can be assured the hero in front of him isn't going to kill his ass, despite what he says and the viciousness in his nature. Bakugo lifts the tape to his mouth and rips the end off with his teeth, then hooks it over his opposite wrist and finishes taping his hand. He doesn't usually do this, but tonight? Yeah.
Esikko's likely gonna have to doff his clothes down to his undergarments to fit more comfortably in the padded suit. That's up to him. Bakugo's not gonna tell him; he'll let Esikko figure it out on his own.
One water bottle. Maybe that'll be enough. If not, he can refill it at the water fountain. Bakugo rolls his hands and wrists a few times, easing the tape's grip so he can move them freely.]
Uh-huh.
[Quick trip. One lie. A single punch. One crime. Just one stupid fast thing. If that was an acceptable excuse, why the fuck would there be any issue with anything? Bakugo can't, and won't, order Esikko to do something. He isn't gonna restrict him. That's not his place. But... he expressed concern and worry about the prince returning to the basement so soon after he'd been gone for a fucking month and a half. How the hell does he know the hotel didn't suspend him in "space" for that long out of revenge? How the hell does he know it's not a side-effect of the brand? Or going to the basement where people had just last month encountered the resort's fucking heart?
Dammit, he just wanted to keep the guy safe for a bit... and he goes off and does this!!
To hell with bothering anymore!! ... He says as he prepares to teach Esikko how to keep himself even more safe.]
Keep your undershirt and legwear on. You'll chafe otherwise.
[The padded outfit isn't uncomfortable in and of itself, but it's heavier and he'll sweat more, leading to some potential rubbing he doesn't need.]
I'm gonna teach you how to get out of a choke hold, an arm hold, and your arms behind your back.
( Esikko drops the attempts, focusing instead on finishing stripping what he needs to and putting this on over the rest. He listens to the warning about his undershirt, and thankfully his hanbok works well enough to support layers that can keep him from any chafing. With the padding now in place, he just reaches to do one more thing, tying back his hair in a small ponytail.
As he runs over the holds in his mind, his hands lower, and he glances down at himself in the outfit. )
Those all sound useful. ( Choke hold especially, he thinks... He remembers that. ) But, what about being pinned... Like to a table, not the wall. Is that too difficult for someone like me?
( He's picturing a specific old encounter, and so he doesn't really want to meet his eyes as he considers it, but he figures it's worth asking. )
[There's nothing to attempt. Excuses are too late, reasons don't need more details, what else is there? It's happened and bitching about it isn't changing the past. Esikko's gonna look like a slimmed-down Michelin Man or a strange puff pastry in human form with a strawberry top, but he should be able to move his arms and legs fairly normally. Probably won't be able to fold his leg enough to touch his heel to his butt without squeezing, but the point's to keep him from hurt too much when he's thrown to the mat.
And he's gonna be thrown.]
They're the most common ways someone grabs during an attack.
[Bakugo furrows his brows.]
As in how to pin someone or getting out of being pinned?
( It's strange, that Esikko's voice is quiet, isn't argumentative, isn't trying to pout or throw more excuses around. He sounds embarrassed, or something close to it— ashamed?— when he speaks about this, going through a few stretching motions like Bakugo has likely shown him before. )
There was a time... over a year ago, I think? Someone lifted me, like a shove, pinned me to a table. I tried to kick at him, but my kicks didn't do a thing. My pushing didn't either. Then he broke my arm.
( He's stretching, just focusing on his own body, thinking. )
Clawed into me. I couldn't stop it at all. Begging didn't help. He was under influence from Spades, I think. Even in public, it wasn't until he decided he was done that I could get up.
I think... that I might have some more strength than I did then. But I think if he experienced the same sort of flip of Spades, of anger, that I'd be just as likely to end up pinned and my kicking wouldn't do a thing.
( Now he finally steals a cautious glance over to Bakugo. )
But, you've shown me plenty of things to consider that I never knew, so maybe there's a secret. A weak spot, or something. I'm going to pay attention. I'll commit it to memory.
[Bakugo goes over the different teachings he's had in his life. Self-defense classes as a kid, similar martial arts over the summer, proper training in U.A. regarding battling. Specifically training himself to escape without using his Quirk if need be. He isn't gonna be caught helpless if his Quirk isn't usable. How to use his arms, legs, hands, feet, chin, mouth, all sorts of differen-]
SHUT UP!! I DON'T NEED TO HEAR THE DETAILS, DAMMIT!!
[Why the hell does Esikko think he's gonna enjoy listening to this shit?! He knows what a table pin is and doesn't need the extra information! If he wants to relive the trauma in his head, fine, but don't go spilling it out of your mouth to other people! He's not a damn psychiatrist and it's fucking uncomfortable!
Fuck, has anything good happened to him here?
Every single time, something's wrong, something's hurt, something's suffering, something's bad. He's never met anyone as much as life's whipping post as Esikko.
Bakugo slams his fist into his palm, knuckles cracking in preparation.]
Are you gonna have issues putting your hands on my neck or vice versa?
[Cause if this is gonna send Esikko into PTSD trauma, he's gonna call it off now.]
( He looks like he's genuinely confused as to why Bakugo is yelling at him, head tilting a little. Damn, okay... Is it that annoying to hear? It doesn't click at all, interestingly, that it would bother anyone to hear about. It was his own problem, his own weakness, just another result of it, right?
Anyway, all of this and he still likes this place better than home! Maybe he just needs to come over and gush about the good things that happen. Or harass him into doing more of those good things, too. )
Okay, no details. And no, since I know you won't actually try to kill me, it's not a problem. Unless you plan on making me doubt that?
( He only panics when there's intent there. So. It should be fine. He frowns, brushing his hands down the puffy outfit. Urgh, maybe he'll just stick to listening. For once in his life. )
...Even then, it's fine. I'll be fine. So what do we do first?
[Genuine confusion. Of fucking course it is. The guy's entire life's been pain to the point where discussing his suffering is completely normal table conversation. If it was his own problem, his own weakness, then he can mull over it in his head rather than spilling out the gritty descriptions. Discussing personal trauma and events out in the open so easily is fucking weird. And disturbing.
He isn't telling Esikko to never bring up his problems or sadness. But he doesn't need a damn Grecian tragedy. If someone pinned him to the table, all he needs to reveal is an aggressor pinned him and he couldn't get out. Bakugo'll ask for more details if he needs it. For example. Seriously, if Esikko comes over and only talks about rainbows and sunshine, Bakugo's gonna get just as mad thinking he's gone insane, or is a fake...
Enjoy the balance act, Esikko.]
Tell me if you start doubting.
[Because he's gonna get knocked a bit and thrown. Bakugo will keep his feelings in mind though. With that, he moves forward until they're standing face to face.]
Put your hands around my neck. Thumbs under my voice box.
[And since I'm not a martial arts teacher, lets just offer some vague details about how Bakugo teaches him. Anywhere from pressure points on the hand/wrist to breaking a finger (fifth finger's best) to gouging his opponent's eyes (difficult since instinct is to try to free your throat) to holding his breath and flexing his neck muscles to buy himself some time. Bakugo talks him through each step first before allowing either of them to do anything physical, making sure Esikko knows what's coming before he does it.]
( Hooray, vague details!! For Esikko's part, he seems incredibly attentive through all of it, even as he gets slammed down repeatedly in showing. There aren't any complaints, this time— very unlike the training Bakugo has given him before, where he doesn't stop whining— and he pauses occasionally to question alternatives, to see if Bakugo has any input on attempted brief magic he might pull up here or there. He needs the pointers.
One thing worth noting is that despite saying he's fine with it, he does hesitate every time he's the one that has to act as the "aggressor" against Bakugo, at least for the first time or two. After being thrown down once or twice himself, he seems to struggle less with trying it again, though never with any genuine intent himself. And with how Bakugo instructs and pauses so clearly, he never once has to tell him that he feels genuinely worried.
Esikko's strength levels are pathetic, even when he's trying his best, but his technical knowledge carries some weight. He can learn these ducks, these techniques, these shifts of weight to his own advantage. He gets exhausted quickly, but he's determined, pushing through when he can, or requesting a break when he can't (sometimes with an annoyed tone, at himself, not at Bakugo).
In the end, he picks up some ways to get out of holds he hadn't thought of, some insight into how the body works that he never considered, and some perspective on how he can manage to be agile, sometimes, in certain ways...!!
But he's also probably a puddle on the floor that can't get up anymore, at the end. Thanks, teacher... )
[At the very least, the slamming doesn't start until they go for arm breaks. Breaks in this case meaning breaking a hold someone has on his arm. Neck holds are more escape and deflection than anything slamming. Bakugo takes Esikko's serious focus without dismissal, giving him the same intense focus. He won't do anything less than 100% his best, and that includes teaching. Even if he is a pretty demanding instructor. Thankfully he's been training Esikko all this time, so he knows how much the guy's body can handle and doesn't push him beyond it.
Magical applications are... interesting. He doesn't know much about Esikko's magic beyond his skills with growing plants, but since Bakugo's a superpower nerd, he's not able to entirely hide rapt attention when it comes to intermingling magic and martial arts. For now, he tries to focus on defensive options, something a victim can use rather than an aggressor.
Bakugo expected something to freeze up whenever the roles changed. whether when Esikko was "attacking" being "attacked". Is it telling the prince had more trouble being the aggressor than the victim? He walks him through it, taking whatever pause he needs, or gruffly reminding him it's practice and Esikko's not gonna hurt him.
The tai chi and akido lessons he's given over the months factor a lot into this. Accenting the pressure points and sensitive areas for jams and strikes. Turning his opponent's momentum and strength against them. And yes, he shows him where and how to feel with his foot to land a hard kick at an opponent's legs. Inside of the knee or thigh, the side of the ankle, top of the foot with the heel. Knee in the groin because that's an obvious strike zone if someone's on top of you pinning your arms... From behind is more difficult, but that's where knee and thigh shots come in.
He lets Esikko have the time he needs to rest and take his breaks. Using those small breather periods to go over pressure points and vulnerable strike areas verbally to make sure they're gonna start sticking in Esikko's memory.
And if this helps work the guy through some of his frustrations and self-doubts, at least it's a start. Bakugo ends up crouched on the balls of his feet beside Esikko's sprawled body, looking like some melted marshmallow man.
Time for some potentially horrific news.]
You're gonna meet me in three days and we're gonna do this again.
( be a man playing ominously and increasing slowly in volume... please have mercy. but also, don't, because he has been a miserable existence that everything in every universe tries to say shouldn't be alive, so. he needs it.
Bakugo can learn a bit about the sort of magic Esikko uses in emergencies. With his blood, such as from biting or pricking his finger with a glass shard he'll often carry in his pocket, he can do quick "burst"-like spells. Things like turning his blood to paralyzing pollen, or making the environment incredibly icy for a short time. But things like this directly make use of the curse he deals with, and so he keeps them short and only when necessary. His more traditional magic requires too much setup, and relies on magical energy in the environment, like the one he'd been doing earlier today.
Anyway, did he hear that right??? )
Three...?
( There's a soft groan, the first genuine protest that's fallen from his lips since they started here, so long as his little grunts of frustration between sessions didn't count. He shoves his own face into some of the padding of one of his arms, rolling onto his side and away from Bakugo like that's going to help.
He'll show up, of course. So long as he's not prevented. This is valuable. This is important. He wishes he had the ability to do it every day, that it didn't feel so difficult. But would it be important, if it didn't feel difficult? He can recognize all of that. But it feels like he's always putting in tons of work for every little thing, just to barely scrape the surface of what so many people can do naturally, or easily, or without any work at all.
His marshmallowy body lets out a sigh. He's just in the moping stage, it'll feel better after the first day. )
If I sleep here, I won't have to get up and come back.
[let's get down to business. look, compared to how bakugo normally trains with his classmates back home, this is extremely merciful and gentle. not a single explosion in sight, and he put esikko in padded clothing before throwing him into padded mats. the only thing really aching beyond general muscle exertion are his heels and bottoms of his hands from where they bounced off the mats.
Burst-like spells remind him of those elemental talismans he bought during the Halloween market last year. Well, he traded them for some of his sweat, so it didn't cost him anything. It's no wonder Esikko's magic didn't work as well on Chobe. Plant magic versus plant energy. An icy environment, however, is gonna be really useful for someone who can't stab anything into the surfaces around them. Bakugo asks about potential flash-bang spells, a burst of light and noise to take an aggressor by surprise. Useful for enabling him to apply one of these various hold breaks.
Despite keeping his closeted nerd mostly hidden, Bakugo is a superpower geek and enjoys pushing people to use their powers in different applications on top of getting stronger. His Quirk is amazingly flexible and he has a hard time accepting anyone who thinks their ability is a one-trick pony. Most people like that haven't bothered trying to think hard enough.
Anyways, yeah, he heard that right.]
You wanna go tomorrow?
[Complete with a threatening curl of his fist. It's because Esikko is Esikko (and because Bakugo really put him through the wringer today) that the blonde isn't demanding the prince show up tomorrow for another lesson. Three days is enough to let Esikko rest without growing too stiff or losing what he went over.
The goal is to work Esikko up to being able for daily routines. Bakugo doesn't expect him to reach that point instantly. Not without cheating, which he won't accept.
Of course it's gonna feel like he's doing tons of work! He just fucking started! Bakugo swipes his water bottle from the bench and takes a few drinks.]
( Esikko groans a little, but at both the threat and the mention of the sumo team, he pushes himself to sit up, sighing and running a tired hand through the bangs and stray strands that have long since slipped free of his ponytail. He's exhausted from simple exertion, but it does feel good. And thinking back on it, he most certainly has improved compared to a year or a year and a half ago. He does want to continue to improve, in this way he used to think was impossible for him.
And after tomorrow(ish), after Toma nearly kills his ass and he makes use of some of these very techniques to delay things long enough to get help, he's going to feel even more serious about it. Because he doesn't want to have to be a burden, doesn't want to have to worry people... Even if it does feel nice to be worried about. He's too familiar with the pain of it, now.
But thankfully, he keeps that mushy nonsense to himself and just carefully moves to stand, reaching to undo this stupid puffy outer... armor? Gear? Whatever. )
Thank you... Katsuki. ( If he sounded shy saying that, no he didn't, he was just busy turning to get this undone. ) I do feel like I've learned a lot just from this, and it does help.
I'm going to write some of the things you've said down, so I can recall them even if my memory gives me issues. Reviewing them helps, as well, I think... So I'll be ready in three days, this time.
( Huff. )
And I'll avoid the basement without company, from now on, I think.
[They don't even have a sumo team. He thinks. Maybe they do. Bakugo's not about to search for it. Sure it's someone's kink, but sumo in a sex resort is disgusting. Mental note: put Esikko's hair in a tight braid the next time they meet up for training. Might whip himself in the face or shoulder a few times, but it won't fall free like it's doing now. A bun might come undone unless he knots and fastens it well. Had to know how "well" when he's getting tossed around on the mats.
Esikko certainly has improved over the year since Bakugo started teaching him. Stronger, faster, more able, redirection and deflection's better, knowledgeable on where to touch, pressure points and sensitive locations.
Stop getting almost killed by people, dammit... but "almost" is better than not almost.
People are gonna worry about him regardless. Some won't admit it. Ahem.
As Esikko starts shucking and peeling out of his marshmallow armor, Bakugo finishes his drink and swipes a towel from the bench for his neck. He keeps an eye on the prince, making sure he's not gonna collapse or something.]
Che. [Who the hell gave him permission to use his first name? He rubs the towel under his neck and around the back of it, then tosses it over his shoulder with a slap.] If you didn't learn anything, I wouldn't bother teaching you.
[He has high demands for the people he invests his time and effort in.]
I'll test your memory next time. [Good to know he'll write those notes down tonight. Good preemptive work to keep his information sharp. As for the basement thing... You said that last time too. Bakugo stretches his neck.]
( Esikko agrees, reaching to touch his own neck now that he's slipped back into his hanbok. The word TRANSGRESSOR is annoying enough as it is, but he can't shake the feeling that it has a potential for more. Something he's probably going to have to explore and deal with before any more final big plans against the House itself.
For now, though, his hand drops away, and he sighs a little softer. )
Three days... here, then? Or should I meet you at that new fancy suite of yours?
[Hearing his agreement, the mutual acceptance of a team effort, alleviates some of his irritation over the entire thing. Bakugo thought he was going to take down the entire House on his own when he first arrived. Very quickly got put in his place, much to his fury. They're not going to escape this trap unless all of them fight together.
Why the hell wasn't that stupid word on Esikko's neck enough of a reminder to stay out of the basement until he was ready? Even if he wasn't messing with the hotel directly, working magic where the House doesn't want him to go, especially since the last infraction was WORKING WITH MAGIC WHERE THE HOUSE DIDN'T WANT HIM TO GO, it's likely enough to piss the damn thing off! Bakugo doesn't want to see Esikko get struck down again.]
Here. I'll take you to my suite after. [Smirk.] If you do as good as you did today.
No? I seem to recall there was a time before I disappeared where you acted rather nice, though.
( Teasing. He really doesn't expect to be spoiled, and much like when Bakugo was that overly nice, he would be concerned... So. He moves to leave, his motions slow but not nearly as ragged as he might have been even just two months ago.
The healing of time frozen in space not getting up to his own nonsense really did help him... But. Well. When he returns in a few days, he won't be nearly as put together. But at least he'll have done everything right! And even more ready to train more. )
[Bakugo throws the clothes over his arm and heads for the nearby bin to dump it in there for cleaning. The Peacock can get to making sure it's fresh for the next person.
HE'S DOING HIS DAMNEST TO FORGET THAT SHITTY "NICE" SPELL EVER EXISTED!!
Red eyes linger on the man as he leaves, making sure he wasn't going to stumble or fall, any hint of a problem being caught if it appeared. Despite getting thrown around and battled during the lesson, Esikko's walking away without a crumple or stagger. Hmph... he really has improved.]
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no subject
Date: 7/5/25 03:11 (UTC)But the only regret he has is about letting it slip the sort of friends he has. With someone like Bakugo, his abilities are vague enough, sideways enough from it that he could escape notice for it, right? That's what he hopes. )
Just please pretend not to know me if he asks.
I'll be there, and I won't even complain this time. I owe you.
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Date: 7/5/25 03:18 (UTC)Bakugo has very little patience, if any, for fools.
He isn't gonna chide someone over being stubborn, minus the obvious clash if their stubbornness is in something his stubbornness is opposing. But being stubbornly stupid is...
FUCK!
He's gonna make this training session grueling.]
Bring water. You're gonna need it.
no subject
Date: 7/5/25 03:30 (UTC)And some other strange part of himself seeks out this danger like self punishment. But something like that... he doesn't think that it would affect others?
But Bakugo seems pissed as hell. So it must.
He's anxious, wishing that Bakugo had responded to his request for pretending not to know him more directly. Any punishment coming from all of this is something he wants, for himself, not pointed at others, not pointed at people he's grown to care for. This was a miscalculation. But maybe it's fine, maybe he's overreacting, maybe it will all come back to him. Maybe he can keep it to himself, like the time after the hearts party...
Urgh, he's going to get his ass kicked training, and how much of it is even going to help with his slow ass body? But all he can do is try. And so he responds with a little thumbs up emoji, a like, and grabs his water to head over. He's ready to be put through the wringer!! )
no subject
Date: 7/5/25 03:45 (UTC)He's not someone's stupid flagellation tool either.
There's also another layer to this that Bakugo has refused to bring up or address even to himself. A darker secret he doesn't like to admit. But it may very well rear its head tonight.
Why the hell should he respond to that pretense request when Esikko already fucked off Bakugo's request not to go back to the basement for a while? Hypocrite. That said, he hasn't ignored the request and he'll decide for himself how he wants to respond if it ever comes up.
Relax. Bakugo's angry and a bully, but he's not gonna waste Esikko or his own time.
He's at Talon in the time demanded.
Lying beside him is a strange set of clothes. It looks like a white gi, but the arms and legs are noticeably padded with puffy cushioning. Bakugo stands over it in a simple black t-shirt and black lounge ants... taping his hands and wrists.
Uh-oh.]
You're gonna be wearing those.
no subject
Date: 7/5/25 03:58 (UTC)( He said he wouldn't complain, and so he doesn't, but there is a long sort of pause as he looks between the strange clothes and Bakugo's ominous taping. He needs that? What are they going to do, exactly...?
Not that he can complain about this, either. He thinks he's preparing for the eventual anger of Chobe once the spell wears off, for future incidents of pissing people off that are stronger than him. But he has absolutely no idea how soon he's going to need any of this, that there's a threat right under his nose he missed. Another mistake.
He frowns to himself, but reaches to pick up the clothing, not wanting to meet Bakugo's eyes. At the very least, he's not harmed at all. A single bandage on his index finger remains from the finishing of his little personal spell, but it was small, it was simple, it was a little bit of revenge. That's all. He sets the water bottle he's brought down on the floor, unfolding the clothes to get a better look at them. )
Okay... ( If he must. But looking at this puffy parts, he has a feeling he's going to need it, anyway. ) I'll wear them. But you know, it was a quick trip, a quick spell, nothing so serious. If that's what has you so angry.
( Spoken as he hesitates only a moment before starting to change right here. He'd originally wanted to find a spot to change, but... Bakugo has seen him naked plenty. It feels silly to leave, knowing that. )
no subject
Date: 7/5/25 04:15 (UTC)[At least Esikko can be assured the hero in front of him isn't going to kill his ass, despite what he says and the viciousness in his nature. Bakugo lifts the tape to his mouth and rips the end off with his teeth, then hooks it over his opposite wrist and finishes taping his hand. He doesn't usually do this, but tonight? Yeah.
Esikko's likely gonna have to doff his clothes down to his undergarments to fit more comfortably in the padded suit. That's up to him. Bakugo's not gonna tell him; he'll let Esikko figure it out on his own.
One water bottle. Maybe that'll be enough. If not, he can refill it at the water fountain. Bakugo rolls his hands and wrists a few times, easing the tape's grip so he can move them freely.]
Uh-huh.
[Quick trip. One lie. A single punch. One crime. Just one stupid fast thing. If that was an acceptable excuse, why the fuck would there be any issue with anything? Bakugo can't, and won't, order Esikko to do something. He isn't gonna restrict him. That's not his place. But... he expressed concern and worry about the prince returning to the basement so soon after he'd been gone for a fucking month and a half. How the hell does he know the hotel didn't suspend him in "space" for that long out of revenge? How the hell does he know it's not a side-effect of the brand? Or going to the basement where people had just last month encountered the resort's fucking heart?
Dammit, he just wanted to keep the guy safe for a bit... and he goes off and does this!!
To hell with bothering anymore!! ... He says as he prepares to teach Esikko how to keep himself even more safe.]
Keep your undershirt and legwear on. You'll chafe otherwise.
[The padded outfit isn't uncomfortable in and of itself, but it's heavier and he'll sweat more, leading to some potential rubbing he doesn't need.]
I'm gonna teach you how to get out of a choke hold, an arm hold, and your arms behind your back.
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Date: 7/5/25 04:25 (UTC)( Esikko drops the attempts, focusing instead on finishing stripping what he needs to and putting this on over the rest. He listens to the warning about his undershirt, and thankfully his hanbok works well enough to support layers that can keep him from any chafing. With the padding now in place, he just reaches to do one more thing, tying back his hair in a small ponytail.
As he runs over the holds in his mind, his hands lower, and he glances down at himself in the outfit. )
Those all sound useful. ( Choke hold especially, he thinks... He remembers that. ) But, what about being pinned... Like to a table, not the wall. Is that too difficult for someone like me?
( He's picturing a specific old encounter, and so he doesn't really want to meet his eyes as he considers it, but he figures it's worth asking. )
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Date: 7/5/25 04:38 (UTC)And he's gonna be thrown.]
They're the most common ways someone grabs during an attack.
[Bakugo furrows his brows.]
As in how to pin someone or getting out of being pinned?
[The "too difficult" part throws the confusion.]
not sure if this needs a cw for vague mentions of violence/worse so puts it here just in case
Date: 7/5/25 04:50 (UTC)( It's strange, that Esikko's voice is quiet, isn't argumentative, isn't trying to pout or throw more excuses around. He sounds embarrassed, or something close to it— ashamed?— when he speaks about this, going through a few stretching motions like Bakugo has likely shown him before. )
There was a time... over a year ago, I think? Someone lifted me, like a shove, pinned me to a table. I tried to kick at him, but my kicks didn't do a thing. My pushing didn't either. Then he broke my arm.
( He's stretching, just focusing on his own body, thinking. )
Clawed into me. I couldn't stop it at all. Begging didn't help. He was under influence from Spades, I think. Even in public, it wasn't until he decided he was done that I could get up.
I think... that I might have some more strength than I did then. But I think if he experienced the same sort of flip of Spades, of anger, that I'd be just as likely to end up pinned and my kicking wouldn't do a thing.
( Now he finally steals a cautious glance over to Bakugo. )
But, you've shown me plenty of things to consider that I never knew, so maybe there's a secret. A weak spot, or something. I'm going to pay attention. I'll commit it to memory.
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Date: 7/5/25 05:04 (UTC)[Bakugo goes over the different teachings he's had in his life. Self-defense classes as a kid, similar martial arts over the summer, proper training in U.A. regarding battling. Specifically training himself to escape without using his Quirk if need be. He isn't gonna be caught helpless if his Quirk isn't usable. How to use his arms, legs, hands, feet, chin, mouth, all sorts of differen-]
SHUT UP!! I DON'T NEED TO HEAR THE DETAILS, DAMMIT!!
[Why the hell does Esikko think he's gonna enjoy listening to this shit?! He knows what a table pin is and doesn't need the extra information! If he wants to relive the trauma in his head, fine, but don't go spilling it out of your mouth to other people! He's not a damn psychiatrist and it's fucking uncomfortable!
Fuck, has anything good happened to him here?
Every single time, something's wrong, something's hurt, something's suffering, something's bad. He's never met anyone as much as life's whipping post as Esikko.
Bakugo slams his fist into his palm, knuckles cracking in preparation.]
Are you gonna have issues putting your hands on my neck or vice versa?
[Cause if this is gonna send Esikko into PTSD trauma, he's gonna call it off now.]
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Date: 7/5/25 05:11 (UTC)( He looks like he's genuinely confused as to why Bakugo is yelling at him, head tilting a little. Damn, okay... Is it that annoying to hear? It doesn't click at all, interestingly, that it would bother anyone to hear about. It was his own problem, his own weakness, just another result of it, right?
Anyway, all of this and he still likes this place better than home! Maybe he just needs to come over and gush about the good things that happen. Or harass him into doing more of those good things, too. )
Okay, no details. And no, since I know you won't actually try to kill me, it's not a problem. Unless you plan on making me doubt that?
( He only panics when there's intent there. So. It should be fine. He frowns, brushing his hands down the puffy outfit. Urgh, maybe he'll just stick to listening. For once in his life. )
...Even then, it's fine. I'll be fine. So what do we do first?
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Date: 7/5/25 05:24 (UTC)He isn't telling Esikko to never bring up his problems or sadness. But he doesn't need a damn Grecian tragedy. If someone pinned him to the table, all he needs to reveal is an aggressor pinned him and he couldn't get out. Bakugo'll ask for more details if he needs it. For example. Seriously, if Esikko comes over and only talks about rainbows and sunshine, Bakugo's gonna get just as mad thinking he's gone insane, or is a fake...
Enjoy the balance act, Esikko.]
Tell me if you start doubting.
[Because he's gonna get knocked a bit and thrown. Bakugo will keep his feelings in mind though. With that, he moves forward until they're standing face to face.]
Put your hands around my neck. Thumbs under my voice box.
[And since I'm not a martial arts teacher, lets just offer some vague details about how Bakugo teaches him. Anywhere from pressure points on the hand/wrist to breaking a finger (fifth finger's best) to gouging his opponent's eyes (difficult since instinct is to try to free your throat) to holding his breath and flexing his neck muscles to buy himself some time. Bakugo talks him through each step first before allowing either of them to do anything physical, making sure Esikko knows what's coming before he does it.]
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Date: 7/5/25 05:33 (UTC)One thing worth noting is that despite saying he's fine with it, he does hesitate every time he's the one that has to act as the "aggressor" against Bakugo, at least for the first time or two. After being thrown down once or twice himself, he seems to struggle less with trying it again, though never with any genuine intent himself. And with how Bakugo instructs and pauses so clearly, he never once has to tell him that he feels genuinely worried.
Esikko's strength levels are pathetic, even when he's trying his best, but his technical knowledge carries some weight. He can learn these ducks, these techniques, these shifts of weight to his own advantage. He gets exhausted quickly, but he's determined, pushing through when he can, or requesting a break when he can't (sometimes with an annoyed tone, at himself, not at Bakugo).
In the end, he picks up some ways to get out of holds he hadn't thought of, some insight into how the body works that he never considered, and some perspective on how he can manage to be agile, sometimes, in certain ways...!!
But he's also probably a puddle on the floor that can't get up anymore, at the end. Thanks, teacher... )
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Date: 7/5/25 05:51 (UTC)Magical applications are... interesting. He doesn't know much about Esikko's magic beyond his skills with growing plants, but since Bakugo's a superpower nerd, he's not able to entirely hide rapt attention when it comes to intermingling magic and martial arts. For now, he tries to focus on defensive options, something a victim can use rather than an aggressor.
Bakugo expected something to freeze up whenever the roles changed. whether when Esikko was "attacking" being "attacked". Is it telling the prince had more trouble being the aggressor than the victim? He walks him through it, taking whatever pause he needs, or gruffly reminding him it's practice and Esikko's not gonna hurt him.
The tai chi and akido lessons he's given over the months factor a lot into this. Accenting the pressure points and sensitive areas for jams and strikes. Turning his opponent's momentum and strength against them. And yes, he shows him where and how to feel with his foot to land a hard kick at an opponent's legs. Inside of the knee or thigh, the side of the ankle, top of the foot with the heel. Knee in the groin because that's an obvious strike zone if someone's on top of you pinning your arms... From behind is more difficult, but that's where knee and thigh shots come in.
He lets Esikko have the time he needs to rest and take his breaks. Using those small breather periods to go over pressure points and vulnerable strike areas verbally to make sure they're gonna start sticking in Esikko's memory.
And if this helps work the guy through some of his frustrations and self-doubts, at least it's a start. Bakugo ends up crouched on the balls of his feet beside Esikko's sprawled body, looking like some melted marshmallow man.
Time for some potentially horrific news.]
You're gonna meet me in three days and we're gonna do this again.
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Date: 7/5/25 06:15 (UTC)Bakugo can learn a bit about the sort of magic Esikko uses in emergencies. With his blood, such as from biting or pricking his finger with a glass shard he'll often carry in his pocket, he can do quick "burst"-like spells. Things like turning his blood to paralyzing pollen, or making the environment incredibly icy for a short time. But things like this directly make use of the curse he deals with, and so he keeps them short and only when necessary. His more traditional magic requires too much setup, and relies on magical energy in the environment, like the one he'd been doing earlier today.
Anyway, did he hear that right??? )
Three...?
( There's a soft groan, the first genuine protest that's fallen from his lips since they started here, so long as his little grunts of frustration between sessions didn't count. He shoves his own face into some of the padding of one of his arms, rolling onto his side and away from Bakugo like that's going to help.
He'll show up, of course. So long as he's not prevented. This is valuable. This is important. He wishes he had the ability to do it every day, that it didn't feel so difficult. But would it be important, if it didn't feel difficult? He can recognize all of that. But it feels like he's always putting in tons of work for every little thing, just to barely scrape the surface of what so many people can do naturally, or easily, or without any work at all.
His marshmallowy body lets out a sigh. He's just in the moping stage, it'll feel better after the first day. )
If I sleep here, I won't have to get up and come back.
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Date: 7/6/25 01:24 (UTC)Burst-like spells remind him of those elemental talismans he bought during the Halloween market last year. Well, he traded them for some of his sweat, so it didn't cost him anything. It's no wonder Esikko's magic didn't work as well on Chobe. Plant magic versus plant energy. An icy environment, however, is gonna be really useful for someone who can't stab anything into the surfaces around them. Bakugo asks about potential flash-bang spells, a burst of light and noise to take an aggressor by surprise. Useful for enabling him to apply one of these various hold breaks.
Despite keeping his closeted nerd mostly hidden, Bakugo is a superpower geek and enjoys pushing people to use their powers in different applications on top of getting stronger. His Quirk is amazingly flexible and he has a hard time accepting anyone who thinks their ability is a one-trick pony. Most people like that haven't bothered trying to think hard enough.
Anyways, yeah, he heard that right.]
You wanna go tomorrow?
[Complete with a threatening curl of his fist. It's because Esikko is Esikko (and because Bakugo really put him through the wringer today) that the blonde isn't demanding the prince show up tomorrow for another lesson. Three days is enough to let Esikko rest without growing too stiff or losing what he went over.
The goal is to work Esikko up to being able for daily routines. Bakugo doesn't expect him to reach that point instantly. Not without cheating, which he won't accept.
Of course it's gonna feel like he's doing tons of work! He just fucking started! Bakugo swipes his water bottle from the bench and takes a few drinks.]
Go for it. The sumo team comes in at 8pm.
[*squish squash splat smear*]
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Date: 7/6/25 02:00 (UTC)( Esikko groans a little, but at both the threat and the mention of the sumo team, he pushes himself to sit up, sighing and running a tired hand through the bangs and stray strands that have long since slipped free of his ponytail. He's exhausted from simple exertion, but it does feel good. And thinking back on it, he most certainly has improved compared to a year or a year and a half ago. He does want to continue to improve, in this way he used to think was impossible for him.
And after tomorrow(ish), after Toma nearly kills his ass and he makes use of some of these very techniques to delay things long enough to get help, he's going to feel even more serious about it. Because he doesn't want to have to be a burden, doesn't want to have to worry people... Even if it does feel nice to be worried about. He's too familiar with the pain of it, now.
But thankfully, he keeps that mushy nonsense to himself and just carefully moves to stand, reaching to undo this stupid puffy outer... armor? Gear? Whatever. )
Thank you... Katsuki. ( If he sounded shy saying that, no he didn't, he was just busy turning to get this undone. ) I do feel like I've learned a lot just from this, and it does help.
I'm going to write some of the things you've said down, so I can recall them even if my memory gives me issues. Reviewing them helps, as well, I think... So I'll be ready in three days, this time.
( Huff. )
And I'll avoid the basement without company, from now on, I think.
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Date: 7/7/25 00:18 (UTC)Esikko certainly has improved over the year since Bakugo started teaching him. Stronger, faster, more able, redirection and deflection's better, knowledgeable on where to touch, pressure points and sensitive locations.
Stop getting almost killed by people, dammit... but "almost" is better than not almost.
People are gonna worry about him regardless. Some won't admit it. Ahem.
As Esikko starts shucking and peeling out of his marshmallow armor, Bakugo finishes his drink and swipes a towel from the bench for his neck. He keeps an eye on the prince, making sure he's not gonna collapse or something.]
Che. [Who the hell gave him permission to use his first name? He rubs the towel under his neck and around the back of it, then tosses it over his shoulder with a slap.] If you didn't learn anything, I wouldn't bother teaching you.
[He has high demands for the people he invests his time and effort in.]
I'll test your memory next time. [Good to know he'll write those notes down tonight. Good preemptive work to keep his information sharp. As for the basement thing... You said that last time too. Bakugo stretches his neck.]
We'll all gut that fucking bird someday.
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Date: 7/7/25 03:51 (UTC)( Esikko agrees, reaching to touch his own neck now that he's slipped back into his hanbok. The word TRANSGRESSOR is annoying enough as it is, but he can't shake the feeling that it has a potential for more. Something he's probably going to have to explore and deal with before any more final big plans against the House itself.
For now, though, his hand drops away, and he sighs a little softer. )
Three days... here, then? Or should I meet you at that new fancy suite of yours?
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Date: 7/7/25 20:29 (UTC)Why the hell wasn't that stupid word on Esikko's neck enough of a reminder to stay out of the basement until he was ready? Even if he wasn't messing with the hotel directly, working magic where the House doesn't want him to go, especially since the last infraction was WORKING WITH MAGIC WHERE THE HOUSE DIDN'T WANT HIM TO GO, it's likely enough to piss the damn thing off! Bakugo doesn't want to see Esikko get struck down again.]
Here. I'll take you to my suite after. [Smirk.] If you do as good as you did today.
[Have a jerk's encouragement.]
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Date: 7/7/25 22:10 (UTC)Oh, really? You'll spoil me at least a little, right~?
I'm going to work hard.
( He half turns, a hand lifting in a wave of his fingers. )
So I'll look forward to it, now. Thanks.
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Date: 7/8/25 02:50 (UTC)I don't spoil anyone, dammit!
[He may or may not be able to claim that truthfully. Depends on how someone views "spoiling" and Bakugo's actions.
He scoops the discarded training pads into his hand and straightens up as Esikko prepares to leave.]
Aa. Try to impress me till I'm stunned.
[Fat chance, but hey, go for it.]
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Date: 7/8/25 04:21 (UTC)( Teasing. He really doesn't expect to be spoiled, and much like when Bakugo was that overly nice, he would be concerned... So. He moves to leave, his motions slow but not nearly as ragged as he might have been even just two months ago.
The healing of time frozen in space not getting up to his own nonsense really did help him... But. Well. When he returns in a few days, he won't be nearly as put together. But at least he'll have done everything right! And even more ready to train more. )
Until next time.
( Off he goes... )
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Date: 7/9/25 01:22 (UTC)[Bakugo throws the clothes over his arm and heads for the nearby bin to dump it in there for cleaning. The Peacock can get to making sure it's fresh for the next person.
HE'S DOING HIS DAMNEST TO FORGET THAT SHITTY "NICE" SPELL EVER EXISTED!!
Red eyes linger on the man as he leaves, making sure he wasn't going to stumble or fall, any hint of a problem being caught if it appeared. Despite getting thrown around and battled during the lesson, Esikko's walking away without a crumple or stagger. Hmph... he really has improved.]